Southlands Emerging Artist Award – BREAKTHROUGH

Thanks to the support of Southlands, Penrith Performing & Visual Arts will provide $15,000 to the development of new projects by early career artists.

Three breakthrough awards of $5000 each will be presented to artists, alongside an assigned mentor artist, working in the areas of music, visual arts or theatre. For the first time, one of these awards will be reserved for a First Nations artist.

The awards are designed to support artists to develop a new idea, concept, draft, design or outcome for a project at a critical juncture in their career over a four month period.

This might take the form of the first draft of a new play, a series of works that outline a vision for an extended work or the recording of a new song or composition. Curators, producers and directors are also encouraged to submit proposals for projects. Artists whose practice defies art form categorisation, works at the intersection of artforms or who are particularly interested in community impact and access are also encouraged to apply.

*For the purpose of this award an early career artist is defined as an artist regardless of age in the first five years of their professional practice.*

Demonstrated Ability: Successful artists will demonstrate a commitment to creative practice and have a track record of delivering a project.

Potential for Impact: Projects where there is the potential for significant impact on the career of the emerging artist will be prioritised.

Relevance and Resonance: Projects that resonate or respond to the creative context of its potential audiences and have an ability to connect with the artistic programming of PP&VA will also be prioritised.

Penrith Performing & Visual Arts acknowledges the unique status of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the original owners and custodians of lands and waters, including the land and waters of Western Sydney.